Immigration programs designed to encourage investment and job creation may boost the economy in once-strong countries now losing the talent war.
Many new comers in developed countries face a common problem. They come to attend school. When they finish, they cannot stay. Those who make such rules believe they are protecting public welfare systems from being drained. Others argue these laws leave no room for entrepreneurs who wish to set up strong businesses that grow the economy. Arguments on both sides of the problem, in the US and Britain, are making it hard to find a fix.
The Problem in Britain
Even Prime Minister Cameron admits that changing immigration rules may help. If it were easier for immigrant entrepreneurs set up successful businesses, it would help all of Britain. But today’s immigration laws keep out innovative new comers who could make great additions to Britain’s economy.
Strict immigration laws kill new ideas. They turn all of Britain into a fortress that keeps out all foreign workers, talented or not. It should be easier for outsiders to come for an education and then create booming businesses that boost the economy. Within the past two years, the Tories have made it ever harder. Foreigners and their families find it very hard to work and settle into the country. It’s putting Britain is on the losing end of the global talent war. In fact, many highly skilled workers are leaving the country to take up openings abroad.
Immigration Frowned Upon by Many
Some business minded conservatives in Britain complain that immigration laws are slowing Britain’s growth. These leaders believe the rules should be relaxed to open doors for innovation and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, most people in Britain do not share that view. Polls show that 62 percent of the British people think that letting immigrants into the country will take jobs away from them. Another 75 percent believes outsiders put too much strain on public services.
Things Are Tough All Over
These same arguments are playing out in the United States. It is hard for highly skilled workers to come to the US, set up businesses and make a better life for themselves. Many talented immigrants come to the US to for a great education. Upon graduating, many must go abroad, unable to get work Visas to stay in the US. But new graduates are those most likely to have fresh, innovative ideas that can create new jobs and grow the economy. In many cases, students choose to attend college in other countries, knowing how hard it is to stay in the US.
The Solution
Mukand, an economist from the University of Warwick has a solution. He believes policy makers should relax laws to make it easier for talented workers to stay in Britain. If talented and skilled immigrants can create new businesses, and many of them do, the economy will improve greatly. In the US, EB5 Visas are designed to do the same thing. Applicants must offer large investments in the economy and create jobs if they want to grow their businesses in the US.
Sources:
“Britain’s Immigration Policy Is Crippling The Economy.” Business Insider. N.p., 2012. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. http://www.businessinsider.com/britains-immigration-policy-is-crippling-the-economy-2012-10.
“Futurity: Discover the Future.” Futurity.org. N.p., 2012. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. http://www.futurity.org/society-culture/relax-immigration-for-the-economy%E2%80%99s-sake/.
Jessica Bosari has been blogging and providing professional copy writing and proofreading services for a wide array of web clients since 2008.
